Dollars, Sense, and Dignity

Text: Convincing state and federal governments to shift emphasis from institutionalization was difficult, partly because of the inability of policy-makers to be proactive and responsive to individual's needs and preferences. Another factor has been the lobbying strength of nursing homes that see this shift as a threat to their livelihoods.
It is sad and says a lot about our government and society that one of the large barriers Mia has faced comes from the lack of sympathy of policy-makers and the polarized government system in which politics has taken more importance than human rights. The fact that decisions that should be made in defense of human rights are being made based off of political power and political benefits is pathetic - though obviously politics hold a high seat in policy making in the government, it is sad that this program was recognized more for saving the government money than for being the proper thing to do ethically. Unfortunately, people rarely are willing to consider that a change in how things are run could save the government money while also doing the right thing for people benefiting from taxes as well as for people paying taxes.


Text: I have always believed that altruism is part of us, that as social beings we are inherently compassionate. . . Given that we live in a global society where we are all interconnected we are now coming to the realization that to survive, as human beings, we need to connect with others and be more sympathetic.
Bretos' point of view that society is altruistic is sweet if somewhat idealistic. Though he is right because most people should/would make decisions based on justice if they would benefit financially or in another way, many people would rather be passive than proactively help society. The writer's actions and experiences are noteworthy because he has acted for the good of others rather than for his own personal gains. Assuming all people had it in them to act in this way, society's flaws would be significantly decreased. The need to be sympathetic and connect with others on a global as well as national and local level demands people to bring their best selves forward and act in ways that benefit society as a whole and not just in the little bubble they interact with on a daily basis. The call to action presently is strong - as the writer said, the failures and crises that society is currently dealing with may prove to be blessings for groups that aim to help others and that aim to improve society's caliber as a whole.

More blog posts in this category Common

• The Wound & the Blessing/The Economy of Communion Project Post
• The Crest- Jewel of Wisdom & Work as a Spiritual Practice Post
• "What Money Can't Buy" Blog Post
• Blog Post Ni: FTRN Booklet & Arithmetic of Passion
• Work as a Spiritual Practice (The Transformation of Work)